DC Election 2016 | Democratic candidate for At-Large Councilmember

Robert white

Growing upin Washington, DC, Robert White was surrounded by a tight-knit family that worked hard to make ends meet. Robert loved to play sports with his siblings and cousins, bike, and write. An inquisitive young man, his parents provided him the room to be imaginative and independent while also stressing the importance of social justice and compassion towards others.

When his mother, Tamara, was diagnosed with breast cancer, the boy in him had to grow up faster than he should. She passed when Robert was only eight years old. One month later, Robert was nearly fatally injured in serious car accident. As a result of two life-changing events, Robert quickly developed a sense of responsibility for family and home, but fell far behind in school.

At age 13, Robert got his first job sweeping a barbershop floor on Kennedy Street so he could make a contribution to the family. At the same time, he began working day and night to catch up to his peers and excel. With determination and family encouragement, Robert became an honor student at Archbishop Carroll High School and attended St. Mary’s College of Maryland where he studied Philosophy and Political Science, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. Robert studied at Oxford University in England as well as in The Gambia, West Africa. Robert then attended law school at the American University Washington College of Law.

Robert’s professional lifestarted as a young lawyer working as a law clerk in the District Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. Wanting to use his education to give back to his city that was coming out of decades of depression, Robert went to Capitol Hill to serve as Legislative Counsel to Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, DC’s representative in the U.S. Congress. Robert served as a lead staffer on Congressional oversight hearings related to the District. He drafted legislation to loosen Congress’ grip on DC government and give greater autonomy and independence to the residents of our city. Robert’s prior work crafting legislation and finding compromises continues to bring the District new money, more jobs, and the excitement we feel in the District.

While on Capitol Hill, Robert recognized that some people were not getting a chance to join in DC’s renewal, so Robert resigned his job to run for an At-Large seat on the DC Council in the 2014 election.

Robert’s first run for DC Council At-Largewas a strong campaign of volunteers who shared the fundamental belief that DC must be more equitable and compassionate as we grow. Robert gained key endorsements fromThe Washington Post, Council Members Kenyan McDuffie, Yvette Alexander, and David Grosso, and several former Council Members, media outlets, Labor organizations and business associations who saw Robert as a bridge between the DC of old and that of tomorrow. Robert earned over 22,000 votes.

Following the 2014 electionsRobert was tapped by Attorney General Karl A. Racine to serve as the first District Director of Community Outreach for the Office of the Attorney General. There, Robert worked to design and execute a blueprint for community engagement with a focus on increasing public safety, protecting seniors against scam-artists, and working with and supporting at-risk youth. With encouragement from residents and leaders across the city, Robert left his position in December 2015 to run again for DC Council At-Large.

Robert’s wife, Christy, an attorney with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, encouraged Robert to follow his passion to address the growing needs in DC. With her blessing and the support of his family, Robert significantly strengthened his campaign team and launched this important campaign to install new leadership and turn the page on DC’s checkered political past.

In the Community, Robert works hard as an advocate. He serves as president of the Brightwood Park Citizens Association, which he founded over three years ago to unite and energize his neighborhood. He also is a board member of WINNERS Lacrosse, a non-profit organization that uses lacrosse to build leadership in and provide mentorship to youth in the DC area. Robert also loves spending time with his family and his rescue dog, Roscoe, reading, and riding his motorcycle.

Robert’s life and upbringing instilled in him a sharp sense of responsibility, community, and social justice that led him to a life of public service. As a candidate, Robert will work tirelessly to support middle-class and working families, and make sure that everyone in the District has the opportunity to benefit from the growth here. As a Councilperson, he will fight for a safer city, champion affordable housing, support teachers and students in our schools, and root out the last vestiges of corruption in DC Government, because transparency and integrity in government are critical to setting a level-playing field and honestly distributing services to citizens according to need.